Homework Policy for Room 58

The first question I received from your children today was.... How much homework do you give?  So I think it's important that I share my philosophy on homework with you.  I believe that students spend an enormous amount of time at school and that time should be utilized wisely.  I believe that spending time with family, playing outside and socializing with friends is extremely important.  With that said, I do not give homework on a regular basis.  If a child is struggling with something, I will send extra homework for practice.  If a child doesn't finish their classwork, I will send it home.  I told the kids today that reading at home is excellent and studying spelling words will help ensure that they learn new words.  We will be doing lots of both at school.  I will not "require" that it be done at home unless I see a need for extra practice.  However, you will see homework in math from Mrs. Shellenberger.  The math program provides homelinks that review what students learn in class.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thanks!
Mrs. Smith :)

Spelling Words

Hello everyone!  Each week, students will be pre-tested on the spelling words for the week.  If they get 0, 1 or 2 wrong on their pre-test, they will qualify for the Amazing Spelling List.  They took their pre-test today and self-corrected it, so they know which list they are to study for this week.  You can find the lists below:

Spelling List Unit 1 Week 1
1. distance
2. method
3. anger
4. problem
5. butter
6. petals
7. enjoy
8. perhaps
9. figure
10. channel
11. admire
12. comedy
13. husband
14. tissue
15. mustard
16. shuttle
17. advance
18. drummer
19. regular
20. denim
Challenge:
21. avalanche
22. monopoly
23. reluctant
24. adequate
25. tangerine

Amazing Words
1. avalanche
2. monopoly
3. reluctant
4. adequate
5. tangerine
6. terrified
7. treacherous
8. bravery
9. heroine
10. revive
11. epedition
12. anticipate
13. trepidation
14. ferocity
15. audacity

Working to "Save Fred"-team building activity

Thank goodness it's lunchtime!! :)

First Day of School!!!!

Breakfast

Breakfast will be served again this year.  If children would like to go to breakfast, they should just let me know as soon as they enter the classroom and I will send them down to the cafeteria.

Thanks! :)

Room 58 Classroom Schedule

Here is our current schedule.  It may change after the first few weeks of school, as I work around other schedules, such as music.  I will let you know if it changes.

8:30-8:50 Student Arrival
8:50-9:50 Reading Instruction
9:50-10:50 Spelling, Grammar, Writing Instruction
10:55-11:30 Switch classes-go to Mrs. Shellenberger's class (math, science, social studies)
11:35-12:35 Lunch/Recess
12:40-2:05 Switch classes-go to Mrs. Shellenberger's class (math, science, social studies)
2:10-2:50 Special (See schedule below)
2:52-3:32 WIN (Reading groups)
3:35 Dismissal

Special Schedule-
Day 1-Library (Mrs. Talley)
Day 2-Physical Education (Mrs. Morin)
Day 3-Computer (Mr. Boyer)
Day 4-Art (Mr. Koons)
Day 5-Physical Education (Mrs. Morin)
Day 6-Music (Mrs. Ometz)

*Don't forget, I will allow time for a snack in the afternoon!  Please be sure to send something fairly healthy (no candy!)

Snack!

I don't know about you guys, but I like to snack!  Due to our lunch at 11:30, students will have the opportunity to have a snack in the afternoon.  They must bring a snack from home and have it available for snack time each day.  I will not be providing snacks for students that forget.  Snacks should be fairly healthy (string cheese, gogurt, crackers, goldfish, etc.)  No candy will be allowed.

Thanks!
Mrs. Smith :)

Meet the Teacher is today! :)

I can't wait to meet all of you today between 3:30-5! :)

Birthday Celebrations

Just a reminder that students are welcome to bring something in for their birthday celebration including non-edible treats or healthy snacks including fruits/veggies, cheese sticks or gogurts. Remember, no cupcakes or sweet treats as per the rules at Derry Township.

Thanks!
Mindy :)